Saturday, January 7, 2017

The Importance of Social Capital for those Affected by Chronic Conditions

Given the latest news about
the pending repeal of the Affordable Care Act, Obamacare, now more than ever
it is important to understand what social capital is, how to develop it and how
to access it.

What is Social Capital:Your social networks have value and importance. By
being an active participant in your community, condition specific organization,
family, work and other networks, you have an opportunity to give to those in
need and in turn, have community you can reach out to when you need help.

Why Invest: By
“paying it forward”-volunteering to help others- you help yourself in multiple
ways including improvement in self-confidences, self-worth and general
wellbeing. People who volunteer and actively engage in social networking live
longer and experience higher levels of satisfaction than those who don’t.

Given proposed governmental
cuts in funding, while you may qualify for any number of services such as
rides, homemaker, respite care etc., the organization(s) that run these
programs may not have the money to offer them. Having a network of people you
can rely on can make the difference in not only your ability to live
independently but also keeping a loved one at home.

Keep in mind that even if you
live in a community where there is a high degree of social capital, unless you
are an active participant and have good connections within your community, you
will be less likely to reap the emotional and practical benefits

How to Invest/Increase Your Capital: There are many ways you can go about doing this:

• Participate in your
condition specific organization, such as a group for people with arthritis,
Parkinson’s Disease, caregiver support etc. You can do this on-line or in
person. Within this format there are many ways to help and be involved from
being a buddy, to making fundraising and support calls, providing rides,
helping someone to navigate the health care system etc.

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The Purpose of Healing Whole

The aim of the Healing Whole blog is to provide information on ways people can thrive regardless of the conditions they are affected by. Every Wednesday is "Take a Break" day and suggestions include simple art activities, games and other ways to relax and reduce the stress that often accompanies being a patient, caregiver, provider or family or friend of someone who is living with chronic or serious health issues. In addition to Healing Whole, I am co-director of Chronic Conditions Information Network (CCIN), www.cc-info.net which offers workshops and trainings on a variety of topics, including patient advocacy. We can be reached at margocaulfield@icloud.com or 802-226-7807.

About Me

The following blog sites have been developed to provide current information in various aspects of health care and as they pertain to Cavendish Vermont. Margo Caulfield is both the co-director of Chronic Conditions Information Network of VT & NH (CCIN) www.cc-info.net as well as coordinator of the Cavendish HIstorical Society www.cavendishhistoricalsocietynews.blogspot.com